Day One ResultsNorton, Mass. - February 26, 2010 - After the opening day day of the 2010 New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Men's Swimming and Diving Championships, the Springfield College Pride sit in third place. Defending-champion MIT got off to a fast start during the first day of competition on Friday, sweeping all five events during the evening's finals portion at Wheaton College's Balfour Natatorium.
MIT racked up 303 points, while United States Coast Guard Academy is a close second with 287 points. Springfield College occupies third place with 160.
In the 200 free relay, Matt Manoni, Ryan Mackstutis, Scott Mackstutis, and Andrew Blakesley took third with a time of 1:24.46.
Freshman Nolan Manley took seventh in the 500 free with a split of 4:48.87, while both Blakesley and Manoni swam in the finals of the 50 free. Blakesley took fifth after touching in 21.49 and Manoni placed eighth in 21.64.
In the final event of the evening, Springfield placed second in the 400 medley relay as Josh Ernst, Ryan Mackstutis, Brian Way, and Blakesley recorded a time of 3:29.11.
Team Standings
1. MIT 303 points
2. Coast Guard Academy 287 points
3. Springfield College 160 points
4. WPI 98 points
5. Clark University 89 points
6. Babson College 74 points
7. Wheaton College 72 points
John Taffe enters his 24th season in 2012-2013 as the head coach of the men's and women's swimming teams at Springfield College. Under Taffe’s leadership, the Pride has returned to its status as one of the best collegiate swimming and diving programs in Division III. Read more.
Peter Avdoulos is regarded as one of the top diving coaches in the nation, and will enter his 28th season as the diving coach for both the men's and women's programs in 2012-2013. The current NEWMAC Men's Diving Coach of the Year, Avdoulos has coached countless All-New England and All-American divers, as well as several National Champions. Read more.